Written By Samantha
Oct. 31, 2017, 10:15 a.m.(7/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Skye
One of the largest mass conversions of Shav'arvani to Prodigal in recent history involved 30,000 swearing fealty to Deepwood. Not a drop of blood was shed, nor threat issued.
Instead, we offered them safety in a time of war without demanding a bend of the knee and asking only that they live in accordance to the law within Deepwood's borders. We showed them the benefit of being united under the Compact, and addressed their leadership with honor and respect. When asked for their help in return, 3,000 answered the call to war and aided in ending the Siege of Arx.
We look at ourselves. While there is always room for improvement, in this matter, our conscience, and our obligation, are clear.
Instead, we offered them safety in a time of war without demanding a bend of the knee and asking only that they live in accordance to the law within Deepwood's borders. We showed them the benefit of being united under the Compact, and addressed their leadership with honor and respect. When asked for their help in return, 3,000 answered the call to war and aided in ending the Siege of Arx.
We look at ourselves. While there is always room for improvement, in this matter, our conscience, and our obligation, are clear.
Written By Isabetta
Oct. 31, 2017, 9:50 a.m.(7/2/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Monique
To say this is not at all whom I expected would be a gross understatement.
Lady Monique is, it turns out, very proper and oriented on her work and studies. Where I thought the well was deep with intrigue, it is rather the opposite. On face value she seems to be clever and tricky, but deeper down she is candid and straight forward. Her pursuits consume her more than her machinations.
I will not deny that I find this a touch disappointing, even though I will do what I can to aide her in those studies she is fond of.
Will her history be a mere footnote in how she is remembered?
She never did show me those wanted posters.
Lady Monique is, it turns out, very proper and oriented on her work and studies. Where I thought the well was deep with intrigue, it is rather the opposite. On face value she seems to be clever and tricky, but deeper down she is candid and straight forward. Her pursuits consume her more than her machinations.
I will not deny that I find this a touch disappointing, even though I will do what I can to aide her in those studies she is fond of.
Will her history be a mere footnote in how she is remembered?
She never did show me those wanted posters.
Written By Fortunato
Oct. 31, 2017, 9:42 a.m.(7/2/1007 AR)
Difference between a serf and a thrall is a serf has an out. Every citizen of the Compact has an out. Not always a great option, going crownsworn, but it’s an escape hatch when you need one.
I really don’t know the numbers of thralls freed by the Liberators, what channels they went through. Maybe there’s logistical issues here.
But past logistics, my one question would be. Payment of a thrall’s debt is their out. If that’s not acceptable, then what is? Lot of small folk have shitty lives, but the out keeps them from being slaves.
I really don’t know the numbers of thralls freed by the Liberators, what channels they went through. Maybe there’s logistical issues here.
But past logistics, my one question would be. Payment of a thrall’s debt is their out. If that’s not acceptable, then what is? Lot of small folk have shitty lives, but the out keeps them from being slaves.
Written By Thena
Oct. 31, 2017, 9:27 a.m.(7/2/1007 AR)
There are many who point out that the timing of the efforts to end thralldom is less than ideal. To that I can only say, no time will be 'convenient'. No time will be easy. So why not just do it now?
Written By Tikva
Oct. 31, 2017, 9:22 a.m.(7/2/1007 AR)
I am honored and humbled to accept the task that has been given me to speak as Voice for my House. I pray to Limerance for the strength to hold to all the oaths and duties I owe to serve in honor.
Written By Merek
Oct. 31, 2017, 8:51 a.m.(7/2/1007 AR)
I don't particularly feel like sharing my views on any side of the current conversation. My only thoughts are towards the fact that if we begin to fight each other, we've already given the enemy an advantage. I sometimes wish that people could just all get along.
Written By Isabetta
Oct. 31, 2017, 8:33 a.m.(7/2/1007 AR)
What have I gotten myself into . . .
Arx is, it turns out, full of mystery and intrigue the likes of which I would have never imagined. You would think, being from the Lyceum, that I might be used to this sort of thing, but really. Was Lenosia ever this bad? Caith certainly was not. Oh sure we had our plots and scandals and intrigues, but the superstitions and the wheels turning here are truly astounding.
Now I know I came here in part to uncover some truths, but honestly I expected by and large to be saturated with your typical drama befit nobility, instead I find myself told fantastical stories and earnestly asked to help uncover more truths.
I will lend my aid where I can as it may in turn assist me in my own goals.
Someday surely I will return to Caith, I doubt if my friends will ever significantly find themselves in Lenosia again. Will I spend the rest of my days in this bizarre city?
Only time will tell.
Arx is, it turns out, full of mystery and intrigue the likes of which I would have never imagined. You would think, being from the Lyceum, that I might be used to this sort of thing, but really. Was Lenosia ever this bad? Caith certainly was not. Oh sure we had our plots and scandals and intrigues, but the superstitions and the wheels turning here are truly astounding.
Now I know I came here in part to uncover some truths, but honestly I expected by and large to be saturated with your typical drama befit nobility, instead I find myself told fantastical stories and earnestly asked to help uncover more truths.
I will lend my aid where I can as it may in turn assist me in my own goals.
Someday surely I will return to Caith, I doubt if my friends will ever significantly find themselves in Lenosia again. Will I spend the rest of my days in this bizarre city?
Only time will tell.
Written By Shard
Oct. 31, 2017, 3:23 a.m.(7/1/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Skye
You make a good point about the rest of the Compact. You're right. The rest of this though...seriously? A lifetime (and it is, almost always, a fucking lifetime, with almost no chance for freedom) of servitude is your idea of a better, third option to those two choices? To raiders, Thrax might offer more; the rest of the Compact generally offers nothing more than the sword, and to some, maybe, maybe, a life of servitude at the hands of their enemies is better than a quick death. But you talk about bending the knee, and that is an option offered as an oh so wonderful beneficial kindness to the more peaceful Abandoned tribes the Compact encounters. And you're saying thralldom, usually a lifetime of thralldom, is better, because while they're washing your clothes and serving you meals and mucking your stables and farming your fields or digging your mines they can see what a wonderful generous fucking people you are? While they're torn apart from their tribes and their homes and their lands that you've taken for your own and carted off to wherever you please to take them, they can be grateful that at least you've allowed them to PAY BACK the debt they owe YOU for the war THEY forced on you?
Do you really fucking believe the utter bullshit that they were all raiders and bandits that attacked you first? Or have you somehow actually convinced yourself that all those Abandoned war thralls that show up in your House's care were all just asking for it by existing on your lands before you got there? You're welcome to this view, but don't write some nonsense essay about how you're so much kinder and more considerate to the poor mistreated Abandoned by dragging them into thralldom instead of murdering them where they stand or strong-arming them into giving up their freedom and way of life to swear fealty to a king and a people that are complete strangers to them. You aren't doing your side any favors.
Do you really fucking believe the utter bullshit that they were all raiders and bandits that attacked you first? Or have you somehow actually convinced yourself that all those Abandoned war thralls that show up in your House's care were all just asking for it by existing on your lands before you got there? You're welcome to this view, but don't write some nonsense essay about how you're so much kinder and more considerate to the poor mistreated Abandoned by dragging them into thralldom instead of murdering them where they stand or strong-arming them into giving up their freedom and way of life to swear fealty to a king and a people that are complete strangers to them. You aren't doing your side any favors.
Written By Skye
Oct. 31, 2017, 2:45 a.m.(7/1/1007 AR)
My heart is saddened from the recent turn of events that has led to a rallying cry against my House for offering what is considered the 'unpopular' view that indentured servitude or Thralls is an act of slavery. I shall perhaps lose some of my new friends by writing my thoughts in this white journal but I think it's important to hear another view that just isn't about economics.
When an Abandoned tribe is approached by the Great Houses. Most tribes are given two choices, bend on knee to the Compact or die at the sword. Our history is written on the blood of those that died by those who chose their way of life rather than joining our fold. House Thrax is the only one at this time that offers a third option, life. A chance to repay their debts for the damage that they have caused to our lands instead of meeting the end of our sword for daring to take us to battle. After paying off their debt, they may join our Society. Perhaps what was once a split second choice between bending on knee to death, now they've had years to see our people, live within our Society, and perhaps find a way of fitting in. Thrax has spared too many lives to count using this system.
Does that make us heroes? No. I don't claim that the Liberators don't have a point. They do. If a Thrall spends their entire in service, dies and then their children who were born free are forced to assume their 'debt' then yes, something is broken. The system that was meant to save lives has morphed into something else. When something is broken, one should not just throw it away, remove the chance of life for defeated shavs. Instead worthy men and women of our generation with a vision to the future should review the system and fix the flaws. Remove the loopholes that allows for this 'endless' servitude. Keep the chance for life.
The other Houses that rage against this system. Look at yourself. See the choices you give a defeated people and consider an alternative to ending lives at the end of your sword. Consider the merit of offering an honorable way of repaying for the damage done. Consider giving a chance for life.
When an Abandoned tribe is approached by the Great Houses. Most tribes are given two choices, bend on knee to the Compact or die at the sword. Our history is written on the blood of those that died by those who chose their way of life rather than joining our fold. House Thrax is the only one at this time that offers a third option, life. A chance to repay their debts for the damage that they have caused to our lands instead of meeting the end of our sword for daring to take us to battle. After paying off their debt, they may join our Society. Perhaps what was once a split second choice between bending on knee to death, now they've had years to see our people, live within our Society, and perhaps find a way of fitting in. Thrax has spared too many lives to count using this system.
Does that make us heroes? No. I don't claim that the Liberators don't have a point. They do. If a Thrall spends their entire in service, dies and then their children who were born free are forced to assume their 'debt' then yes, something is broken. The system that was meant to save lives has morphed into something else. When something is broken, one should not just throw it away, remove the chance of life for defeated shavs. Instead worthy men and women of our generation with a vision to the future should review the system and fix the flaws. Remove the loopholes that allows for this 'endless' servitude. Keep the chance for life.
The other Houses that rage against this system. Look at yourself. See the choices you give a defeated people and consider an alternative to ending lives at the end of your sword. Consider the merit of offering an honorable way of repaying for the damage done. Consider giving a chance for life.
Written By Silas
Oct. 31, 2017, 1 a.m.(7/1/1007 AR)
This is going to be a cringeworthy week...
Written By Daemon
Oct. 30, 2017, 11:45 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
Fair enough indeed.
Written By Shard
Oct. 30, 2017, 11:39 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Daemon
I'm aware of what he did, but he's the one who brought up the imminent threat. If he's going to broach that topic, I'm going to point out the obvious.
Written By Thena
Oct. 30, 2017, 11:32 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Daemon
It is ironic that the man literally charged the Archfiend's representative head-on.
I'm sure there's a lesson in there somewhere but I'm not the person to find t.
I'm sure there's a lesson in there somewhere but I'm not the person to find t.
Written By Aiden
Oct. 30, 2017, 11:27 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)
This journal is late. I wanted to be more reflective of my time served in the Shrine of the Thirteenth and working side by side with the Silent Reflections for a week in showing my dedication to the Scholars. They remind me it is more important to listen than it ever is to speak and that my oaths, broken, come with consequences. I shall write more, once I have properly reflected. For now, hours will be spent in silence, contemplating all the oaths that I have sworn and what I will be swearing in the future to come.
Written By Daemon
Oct. 30, 2017, 11:21 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Shard
With due respect to yourself and to Duke Harald, who's words I do not agree with, I would say that to bring up the Archfiend of Slavery is perhaps not the best choice in this regard. The Duke did charge the Herald itself head-on, while others fled. He is strong and he has no need to prove that much, to yourself, to me, or to anyone really. What it says for Thrax's character I cannot be certain, but that is not my point.
Written By Belladonna
Oct. 30, 2017, 11:14 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)
Setarco is an island; there is no bridge across the water to connect us to the mainland.
Written By Shard
Oct. 30, 2017, 11:09 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)
I don't expect random dukes to read the bullshit I write even if they hadn't already insisted they weren't going to read responses to things they'd flung out there, but I'm going to say what I think anyway.
Bad timing? Sure, I can see that argument. Shit's coming, maybe it's not the greatest time to start turning things upside-down when giant threats are bearing down on everyone. But you know what? One of those fucking threats is the centuries old Herald of the fucking Archfiend of Slavery, and maybe, MAYBE it bears a few moments of thought that facing him with your armies and navies standing on the backs of your own slaves--whatever cute little name and rules you've put on them to convince yourselves that's not actually what they are, no really, honestly, truly, that's why we're constantly arguing with a fucking god over the matter--maybe that isn't the greatest idea ever hatched on Arvum.
Arrogant mainlanders daring to come in and think they know best how you should live your life? I know, it's just inexcusable. I mean, it's certainly nothing the Thrax would ever do to others. Presuming how unknown peoples and lands should be governed? Perish the fucking thought.
The Liberators came in and fucking bought your thralls. Bought them. Gave thousands and thousands of silver for them. All legal, all according to the fucking rules laid out. Then they paid thousands more to get those thralls to new homes where they could actually build a damned life, with the help of Deepwood and others. Now some Thrax houses want to get rid of the bullshit--by their own fucking choice--and all you can do is shit on them and call them reckless and arrogant. They're playing by your rules, and a bunch of you are still not happy about it. Why is that?
You know what? Here's this stupid ignorant arrogant mainlander's opinion: thralls are a fucking crutch for Thrax. You pride yourselves on how strong you are, but you prop yourselves up with them, to the point it will hurt you significantly if you abolish the practice. It's been going so long you even think it's part of your strength. But every other Great House gets on without them, and they're not trailing you, are they? So what does that say about Thrax, really? What does it say when the first thing you do when a few of yours decide to stand on their own is turn on them?
Bad timing? Sure, I can see that argument. Shit's coming, maybe it's not the greatest time to start turning things upside-down when giant threats are bearing down on everyone. But you know what? One of those fucking threats is the centuries old Herald of the fucking Archfiend of Slavery, and maybe, MAYBE it bears a few moments of thought that facing him with your armies and navies standing on the backs of your own slaves--whatever cute little name and rules you've put on them to convince yourselves that's not actually what they are, no really, honestly, truly, that's why we're constantly arguing with a fucking god over the matter--maybe that isn't the greatest idea ever hatched on Arvum.
Arrogant mainlanders daring to come in and think they know best how you should live your life? I know, it's just inexcusable. I mean, it's certainly nothing the Thrax would ever do to others. Presuming how unknown peoples and lands should be governed? Perish the fucking thought.
The Liberators came in and fucking bought your thralls. Bought them. Gave thousands and thousands of silver for them. All legal, all according to the fucking rules laid out. Then they paid thousands more to get those thralls to new homes where they could actually build a damned life, with the help of Deepwood and others. Now some Thrax houses want to get rid of the bullshit--by their own fucking choice--and all you can do is shit on them and call them reckless and arrogant. They're playing by your rules, and a bunch of you are still not happy about it. Why is that?
You know what? Here's this stupid ignorant arrogant mainlander's opinion: thralls are a fucking crutch for Thrax. You pride yourselves on how strong you are, but you prop yourselves up with them, to the point it will hurt you significantly if you abolish the practice. It's been going so long you even think it's part of your strength. But every other Great House gets on without them, and they're not trailing you, are they? So what does that say about Thrax, really? What does it say when the first thing you do when a few of yours decide to stand on their own is turn on them?
Written By Harald
Oct. 30, 2017, 9:49 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)
Two of my house's vassals have chosen to alter their laws and cripple the way economics have functioned in the Mourning Isles for hundreds of years, at a time in which we face powerful enemies and must replace grievous losses among ships and warriors. For this, arrogant mainlanders will make a great show of applauding them. They may even throw a few silvers at the fools to go with their applause and glowing words. Yet none have yet named it for what it is: irresponsible. When lost ships of Kennex have yet to be replaced, it is nothing better than vanity to throw away any fraction of your treasury, and I name it so.
Let this be said: I care nothing for praise, nor kind sentiment. Blood and strife will flow in days to come, while those who were born and raised outside the Mourning Isles have made these arrogant steps. Dwelling in Arx it is easy to forget that not all will welcome this ill-timed choice as gladly as the mainlanders who need not deal in the consequences.
Let my journals mark these three points, in closing:
First, the reckless rush toward change in the middle of the greatest war for a thousand years will be met with resistance, even among the less traditional folk of Kennex and Darkwater. Gods grant that this hubris does not spark civil strife.
Second, it is plain arrogance to presume that one knows best how unknown lands and people should be governed, and humility is an oft forgotten virtue.
Third, I do not read the white journals of others, so any who feel moved to answer me may do so in the blithe security of knowing that I will never see it.
Let this be said: I care nothing for praise, nor kind sentiment. Blood and strife will flow in days to come, while those who were born and raised outside the Mourning Isles have made these arrogant steps. Dwelling in Arx it is easy to forget that not all will welcome this ill-timed choice as gladly as the mainlanders who need not deal in the consequences.
Let my journals mark these three points, in closing:
First, the reckless rush toward change in the middle of the greatest war for a thousand years will be met with resistance, even among the less traditional folk of Kennex and Darkwater. Gods grant that this hubris does not spark civil strife.
Second, it is plain arrogance to presume that one knows best how unknown lands and people should be governed, and humility is an oft forgotten virtue.
Third, I do not read the white journals of others, so any who feel moved to answer me may do so in the blithe security of knowing that I will never see it.
Written By Talen
Oct. 30, 2017, 9:47 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)
Sometimes, people's lack of political awareness is astounding... and yes, this is a complaint from me.
Written By Talen
Oct. 30, 2017, 9:46 p.m.(7/1/1007 AR)
Relationship Note on Darren
So, as soon as I get on the big boy's chair, you disappear so we can't go hunting? I see how it is.
You owe me like 9 drinks now.
You owe me like 9 drinks now.
Please note that the scholars may take some time preparing your journal for others to read.